Financial Food For Thought – 5 Good Habits

{A simply luxurious life, while full of the concept less is more, luxuriates in the decadence of high quality, complementary style and an appreciation for the beauty that surrounds us in decor, fashion, nature and people themselves. One does not need to maintain a balance in the bank that one might associate with a millionaire, however, it would be a mistake for me not to address the fact, that being secure financially – just the knowledge of this fact – brings about a priceless piece of mind that contributes greatly to a well-balanced simply luxurious life.

With that said, my new series every Friday will focus on sharing a bit of financial food for thought that will help you create a sound financial life that makes it possible to make the choices that will help you create the life of your dreams.  Because after all, simply having choices is a luxury – enabling independence, however we might choose to go about our every day lives. }

Living a financially sound life begins with good habits and approaches as to how you view and handle money in your life.  As long as you can become proficient in the healthy habits of finance, you will be surprised how (in the longer run and every day), your life will change for the better.  Here are five habits, four of which were found in The Difference by Jean Chatzky, that are found to be practiced by the wealthy consistently:

1. Work Hard

While with each moment your are working hard, you are not always with the one’s you love, understanding the importance of discovering a career that you are passionate about becomes all the more necessary.  Hard work does pay off – absolutely. But as I mentioned in my post regarding the discovery of your passion, if you are immersed in a career that engages your heart and your mind, you will continue to work hard and produce great results.

2. Save Habitually

On a monthly basis stash away 10% of your income to retirement, as well as into a cushion account for emergencies and long term dreams.

3. Pay Full Credit Card Balance Monthly

The ability to regularly pay off debt each month is responsible thing to do.  Not only are you living within your means, but you are taking back control of your finances and allowing yourself a peaceful night’s sleep.

4. Invest Soundly & Aggressively

Just how aggressively depends on your goals & age, however you should be following sound advice regarding where you are putting your hard earned money.

5. Give Back

A form of paying it forward. Helping out the community you live in or those organization you care passionately, allows you to step out of yourself and focus on other’s needs for a moment. A sense of a more balanced fulfillment typically results.

Image: Sebastian